John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them

JRR Tolkien The Fellowship of the Ring 1954

One of the giants of fantasy if not the giant. I first read Lord of the Rings at school many eons and moons ago and hated it. Now its one of my favourite books that I never fail to enjoy reading. Don't worry I am not going to review any novels here.

Why Tolkien as one of my heroes. Well his works have stimulated my own imagination and desire to bring to life the little and not so little folk I have in my own mind whether in pictures or words or both. Not that I'll ever be has great as he but hell its sure a goal to aim for.

I do share one thing with this great man and that is being born on January 3, possibly and most likely not a significant thing.

The difficulties of Tolkien's life are said to reflect in his work as is the fact he lived through two world wars. I am not sure that is the case but I guess what we write and paint is a reflection of our own lives and experiences so it does make sense.

Needless to say Tolkien is high up on my list of people living or dead I'd like to do lunch with

Germaine Greer

Author, critic, academic, Germaine Greer was born on 29 January 1939 in Melbourne, Australia.

Germaine Greer was educated at Melbourne and Sydney Universities in Australia and in 1964 she left to go to England where she studied at Newnham College, Cambridge, gaining her PhD in 1967.

From 1968-1973 Greer lectured in English at Warwick University. This period encompassed the publication of her famous book, The Female Eunuch in 1970, which had a pivotal role in a key period for feminism.

As a female supremest, no I don't believe in equality of the sexes I wouldn't lower my standards, I adore Germaine. Without this wonderfully opinionated lady who says exactly what she thinks women would not have the power, not openly anyway, that they have now.

By being forthright and up front Ms Greer has made it possible for us all to have an opinion and be able to voice them. She has made it possible for women like myself to accept who we are and be happy with that. She has made it possible for me to be me and not pretend I am something else for the sake of a parent, a sibling, a partner or any one else. I live my life for me if others don't like it they don't have to be with me... simple.

Thank you Germaine